Feed-spacer mechanism for can-labeling machines.



A. P. EKVALL&H. STAKEt FEED SPACER MECHANISM EUR CAN LABELING MACHINES.

APPUCATION FILED NOV. 24. 19H. 1,281,315, Patented 001.1519181 I 2 SHEETS--SHEET I.

A. P. EKVALL & H. STAKE. FEED SPACER MECHANISM Foa CAN LABELING MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED Nov. 24, 1917.

Patllttd 0G13. 15, 1918.

1,281,315. ET H Agi V[52E/anions. i

.2f/MMM @2a/fbi ARVID IP. EKVALL AND HERMAN STAKE, OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNORS TO ECONOMIC MACHINERY COMPANY, OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, A COR- PORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

FEED-SPACER MECHANJSM FOR CAN-LABELING MACHINES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 15, 1918.

Application led November 24, 1917. Serial No. 203,706.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that we, ARVID P. EKVALL and HERMAN STARE, both citizens of the United States, residing at Worcester, in the county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and Aof the character specified, with means for preventing disarrangement in the spaceintervals when a can is not present for regularly taking its place'in the series, and for synchronizing the timing of delivery intervals in relation to the action of the succeeding mechanisms in the afiixment of labels.

The nature, construction and mode of operation f our invention is explained in the following detailed description; the particular subject matter claimed being hereinafter definitely specified.

In the accompanying drawings, (two sheets) Figure l represents a section elevation view of our can-feeding and spacing mechanism, and such parts of a can-labeling machine as will illustrate the nature of our invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same. Figs. 3, 4 and 5 represent vertical sectional views of the mechanism, showing the parts at various stages of their action. 6 is a separate detail View of the spacer devices. Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the back of the spacer device, separate from other parts.

In the drawings, R indicatesthe rollway for cylindrical cans, or the like, which are delivered thereto by an inclined chute or conveyer A, of any desired length, upon i which the cans are placed manually or otherwise. The chute is preferably hinged to the ceive power and motion from any approved source. s

D indicates the overhead or top Aframe upon which the belt-pulley and feed mechanlsm are supported. In practicesaid frame4 is adjusted up or down to accommodate different sized cans. i

P indicates the yieldingly mounted presser rollers arranged across the lower run of the belts, as heretofore employed, and C- the cans in their passage in the mechanism. i

Numeral 10 indicates the label-holder or box for containing the supply pack of labels L, which aresupported on an elevator plate 11; the top ofthe pack being maintained substantially level with the roll-way by any approved automatically acting means combined with the elevator standard 12.

13 indicates the primary can-gummingl tating said rolls from a wheel upon the operating shaft 9; and 16 denotes the side guides between which the cans travel in their progress through the machine. E indicates the contacting member of the lapend gumming appliances, which may be of any suitable character, preferably adapted to act at uniformly timed intervals.

At a convenient position adjacent. the front of the belt-supporting pulley B+, we provide an oscillating plate or spacer element 20 arranged across the feed-delivery chute above the path of the incoming cans, and is connected `by suitable ears .2 with a transversely disposed axis-member or shaft Q1 mounted in bearings 19 upon the forward part of the overhead frame D,or'some equivalent support. The height of the spacer 20 above the surface upon which the cans C roll, is approximately equal tothe diameter of the can. The under surface of the spacer element (see Fig. 6) is preferably arched from its front to its rear edge, or made in the form of a cylindrical segment; the curvature of the arc being of equal or somewhat greater radius than the outside curvature of the largest sized cans to be operated upon. The under side of the spacer element 20 is vadapted for approximately embracing a segment of the cylindrical upper surface of the can, somewhat in the manner of a saddle, or as a can-housing member, for maintaining the can in accurate transverse relation upon fingers 1 and the pawl cated adjacent thereto, as at 26.

the. rollway; said'spacer element is tiltable or rockable for alternately elevating its front. and rear edges for admitting and releasing the can containedv thereunder. Said space-r is longitudinally stralght and arranged transverse of the rollway, parallel with the position of the can, and is provided on its upper Side at or near the rear edge with bearing lugs 3 in which there is ounted a rockable shaft 23, parallelwith the supporting shaft 21. The spacer 20, or 1ts axis shaft 21, has rigidly connected therewlthV a projecting arm 17 provided with a stud-roll 17+ that engages with a cam 2-1 arranged upon and revolving with the operating shaft 9 of the belt-carrying pulley B+. A suitably tensioned spring 7 is combined with the arm for keeping the end of the arm or lts studroll up against the cam, and for moving the spacer 20 as controlled thereby. The general shape of the cam 24 is indicated by dotted lines on Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 5.v A portion of its periphery is, 'in the present instance, formed on a circular arc-s1milar to that of the pulley B+; butit may be varied or made of larger or smaller dimension if in any 1nstance so required.

The arm 17 may be fixed or pinned upon the axis shaft 21, or attached to the spacerplate which is preferably pinned upon the shaft, so that said spacer is oscillated by movement of the arm, or in equivalent manner. Said arm, in the present instance, serves as the complement of lug 3, and has the bearing for the shaft 23 formed therein.

Numeral 4 indicates intercepting fingers or detents fixed upon the rocking shaft 23 and projecting downward to a position for Contact with the passing cans; and 5 indicates an upwardly projecting pawl or catchdetent adapted for locking engagement with a stationary stud 25 having a lug or notch in its side with which the end of the pawl catches when swung sufiiciently far back. (See Figs. 3 and 6.) The fingers 4 and pawl 5 are best pinned, or otherwise firmly secured, upon the "shaft to rock in unison. A spring 6 is provided for normally acting upon the shaft for swinging forward the 5 backward to engaging position. Said spring may be located at any convenient position. As herein shown it is strained between an arm projecting from the shaft 23 and a stay on the edge of the plate 20, as best illustrated in Fig. 6.

Numeral 27 indicates a friction band arranged about a pulley upon the shaft 9, which may be the broadened rim of the propeller belt pulley B+, or a special pulley lo- Said band extends around suitable guide pulleys 29 and 30 disposed in bearings upon the top frame in such relation that the lower stretch of said band passes adjacent to the spacer element, and runs in contact with the-rim or surface of the can C thereunder, and to the operating pulley, with sutlicient friction upon the can for starting or impelhng the same to roll forward to and under the lpropelling belt B, at a speed corresponding therewith, as soon as released by the spacer element 20; thus giving a positive start that puts the can beneath the propeller belts without liability of delay.

The lines III, IV, and V on Fig. G, indicate positions of the arm 17 corresponding to thepositions in views Figs. 3, l and 5.

In the operation: If there is no can in the feed-Way, as when starting up the machine, or if a can is absent from the approaching line in the chute, then when the swell of the cam presses down the arm 17 the pawl 5 is carried below the stud 25 andis swung by the action of the spring (i and rocking shaft 23 to a position behind the lug on stud 25, so that as the receding portion of the cam comes around the pawl engages therewith temporarily locking the fingers it in position for intercepting or arresting a later coming can when beneath the spacer 20,

and detaining it until the proper relation in action is attained. The front edge of said spacer element is lifted and its back edge depressed when the arm 17 is forced down bv the cam 24.. Fig. 3 shows the pawl at a position just before unlocking, and Fig. l is at a position after it has unlocked.

In normal running action the cans are placed in the inclined chute A. in any convenient manner, so as to roll down to the spacer mechanism in continued supply. The first can (l enters beneath the arched spacer while the front edge is elevated, and may be there detained until the spacer is oscillated rearward on its axis 21. The adjacence of the spacer element to the top of the cylindrical can requires an oscillative movement of the spacer t0 enable the can to pass beneath it. As thc reduced portion of the cam comes around it allows the spring 7 to lift the arm 17, thus raising the rear edge of the spacer and freeing the can at a prede-V termined time, so vthat the friction band 27 will positively roll the can under the propelling belts B, and depressing the front edge of said spacer to contact with, and arrest the second can C2, and those following (see Fig. 5) until the arched spacer element is oscillated to its primary receiving relation by the swell of the cam. pressingr down the arm. In like manner successive cans are individually released at spaced intervals of distance and time corresponding to the revolutions of the controlling cam, acting synchronous with other parts of the machine. i

During. the time, if any, that a can is retained by the spacer 20, the band 27 will slip on the surface of the can. The forward movement of a can is delayed only until the proper instant for its delivery, or until the preceding can has reached the predetermined interval of space therefrom.

When cans come to the spacer mechanism in an irregular manner, or with greater or.

less width of spaces between them, then if not in the exact proper spacerelation, as the front edge of the Spacer is lifted, the can may pass into contact with the fingers 4; which, under such condition, are always found-temporarily locked by the pawl 5, so that said lingers intercept and momentarily detains the can until it assumes the correct Working relation in respect to oscillating spacer; at which position the pawl becomes unlocked and the can becames released as above described; the movement of 'the can readily pressing back the fingers l which are then subject only to the slight resistance of the spring 6. By this means derangement in the space intervals is obviated, and the delivery intervals are synchronized with relation to the timing andspace intervals in the act-ion of the label-aiixing means or succeeding parts of the machine to which our invention may be applied.

We claim and desire to secure by Letters 1. A feed-spacer mechanism for can-labeling machines, comprising, in combination, with a horizontal roll-way, a slightly inclined feed-way connecting therewith, traveling can-propelling belts overlying said roll-way, and belt-carrying pulleys and shafts; of a spacer member including an oscillatable cylindric segment extending transversely across the feed way and having a concave under face approximately conformed to the height of, and for overlying the top surface of the cylindrical can rolling thereon, an axis-shaft by which said member is dependingly supported for swinging its front and rear edges alternately upward to permit the reception and exit of a rolling can thereunder, connections for oscillating said spacer member, and

meansin connection with the propeller-belt operating-shaft for controlling said oscillation.

2. In combination, with a run-way for rolling cans, can-propelling belts supported above said run-way to travel in contact with the upper surfaces of the cans rolling thereon, and means for operating said belts; a feed-delivery spacer of the character specified, including an axially supported canhousing member arranged transversely across and adjacently above the path of the cans and adapted for embracing the cylindrical upper part of a can between front and rear parallel edge portions of said member, said housing member being oscillatable for bringing its front and rear portions alternately to positions for admitting, confining, and releasing the incoming cans, a revolving cam and connectlng means for oscillating said spacer, and means for impelling the respective cans from the spacer to beneath the propelling belts.

y 3. In a can labeling machine having a rollway and overlying can-propelling belts; the combination, of a movable spacer device adapted for engaging and regulating the passing of cans at the feed delivery, and a frictional band acting against the exterior of the can passing said spacer device, said band extending in coacting relation to the can-propelling belts, and running adja- -cently coincident with the periphery of the pulley carrying said belts.

4. In a can feeding mechanism, including an inclined chute and roll-way for cylindrical cans, can-propelling belts, and belt-carrying pulleys; a spacer mechanism comprising, in combination, a horizontally journaled arched rocking guard adjacently overlying the path of the cans at a position that requires a rocking oscillation of said guard to permit a can to pass beneath it, means for intermittently rocking said guard, an oscillating finger-device mounted upon the rear edge of said rocking guard, and provided with depending fingers engagable owith the can,- an engaging stop controlled by contact of the can with said guard finger device, and means for imparting oscillative motion to said rocking -guard at predetermined intervals, substantially as set forth.

5. In a can labeling machine, the combination with a feed-way for rolling'cans, canpropelling belts, pulleys therefor, and the opera-ting shaft carrying said belts'; of a transversely fulcrumed spacer device including a backwardly and forwardly tiltable element overlying the feedway path and adapted for its front and rear edges contacting alternately `with a can rolling along said feed-way, an actuating arm for said tiltable element, a controlling cam therefor, operated from the shaft that carries the propel- 1er belts, and means for rolling the released can beneath the propelling belts.

6. In aycan labeling machine, the combination with a rollway for cans, can-propelling belts, belt-carrying pulleys, an operating shaft and the supporting frame thereand means acting synchronously With the labeling operations for oscillating said .spacer-device to deliver the cans at corresponding regular spaced intervals.

7. In mechanism for the purpose `described, the combination With a roll-Way for cans, a top frame, overlying can-propelling belts, and belt-operating shaft and pulleys; of a spacer element disposed above the path for the cans, and having depending front and -rear portions arranged to require tilting action to allow a can to pass, a traverse axis-shaft having said spacer element secured thereon, bearings for said axisshaft upon the top frame, an attached arm for tilting said shaft and spacer element, a

spring connected therewith and a cam mounted upon the belt-operating shaft for controlling the action of said arm to tilt said spacer element, backwardly yielding depending fngers having pivotal support upon the spacer element, a catch-device connected with the finger-supporting axis, an engaging-lug for temporarily retaining the catchdevice with said fingers extended, a spring for moving said fingers to normal position,

` and means for positively advancing the cans to the propelling belt. v

8. In a feed controlling spacer for can machines, an arched spacer-plate arranged adjacently above the path of the cans, an 0s- ,cillating axis shaft having said spacer-plate fixed thereon, bearings for said shaft upon the overhead frame, a projecting cam-engaging arm connected for oscillating said spacer plate, a lifting spring attached to said arm, a cam for controlling the oscillative move- Vcan-propelling belts and belt-carrying pulleys.

9. In a can-'labeling machine, including a rollway for cans, overlying belts for propelling the cans along said rollway, an overhead frame, an operating shaft With pulleys mounted thereon for carrying said propelling belts; the combination of a spacer means consisting of a pivotally suspended i tiltable platen element extending transversely across the path of the cans, its center at a height from the rollway approximately equal to the diameter of the can, and having a concaved under side adapted for embracing a segment of the cylindrical upper surface of the can, said element being tiltable for receiving, retaining and releasing the can surmounted thereby, means for actuating said spacer element including a spacercontrolling cam rotating in unison with the pulleys carrying the propeller belts, a counter acting spring and means for giving a forward impetus to the released can.

Witness our hands this 22nd day of November, 1917.

ARVID P. EKVALL. HERMAN STAKE. 

